Blanketing vs Tenting: New Construction Exposed Stained Concrete Floors

concrete insulating blanket (black) and insulating tent (white)

concrete tent framing with plastic cover mostly removed

Concrete poured in temperatures at or near freezing must be insulated during the curing process.

For this Washington Park new-construction home the concrete was insulated using two different methods: blanketing and tenting. The top image demonstrates tenting (white-ish plastic), and blanketing (black insulated cover).

The tent consists of a simple wood frame over which plastic is draped. Neither the frame nor plastic contact the curing concrete. In contrast, the insulating blankets are place directly on top of the concrete.

So, why not just place blankets over the entire foundation? Why elect to use the more labor intensive tent option?

Here's why...

concrete finish with use of insulating blanket

The bottom two photos illustrate the different results achieved with blanketing vs tenting. Blanketing tends to result in an irregular finish with sharp color contrasts. Tenting provides a much smoother consistent finish.

For this modern home tenting was used in areas where exposed stained concrete will be the final floor finish. A smooth consistent finish is generally most desirable for exposed concrete applications.

concrete finish with use of insulating tent

This home designed and built by West Standard. More information: www.WestStandard.com